Ping pong hits out against slavery
How serving a small ball can fight human trafficking
Ben McEachen
August 1st, 2017 03:17 PM
Playing table tennis can help to combat human trafficking. Happening across Australia during October, annual fundraiser Ping-Pong-a-Thon raises money for organisations which seek to prevent modern-day slavery. With almost 46 million people around the world caught in some form of slavery, “The Pong” is serious about helping people escape exploitation and abuse.
“Bringing justice to our world should be a joy-filled, fun, community-rich experience.” – Adrian Rowse
“Most people hear about the issue and want to get involved as part of the solution, but don’t know where or how to start,” says Adrian Rowse, who created Ping-Pong-A-Thon in 2011. Individuals or groups, such as churches and schools, can get involved with Ping-Pong-A-Thon by hosting their own event.
“’The Pong’ places the action response (the fun of table tennis) alongside the, at times, overwhelming and depressing issue of human trafficking. The fun, quirkiness and community aspects of it are the perfect way to get people engaged.
“Bringing justice to our world should be a joy-filled, fun, community-rich experience.”
“Participants can engage with the issue more deeply …” – Adrian Rowse
Ping-Pong-A-Thon is a 24-hour event of bats, balls and social action. All but one of the organisations supported by the unusual fundraiser are Christian-based. Rowse hopes that those who take part in Ping-Pong-A-Thon will want to become more involved with fighting against human trafficking.
“Participants can engage with the issue more deeply through The Pong website,” Rowse says. “They are equipped as advocates as they participate in the event and invite their network of family and friends to support their efforts.”
Ping-Pong-A-Thon events can be registered now and participants can sign up from August 8.
